November 13, 2014

CFPB proposes federal protections for prepaid products

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing new federal consumer protections for the prepaid market. The proposal would require prepaid companies to limit consumers' losses when funds are stolen or cards are lost, investigate and resolve errors, provide easy and free access to account information, and adhere to credit card protections if a credit product is offered in connection with a prepaid account. The bureau is also proposing new "Know Before You Owe" prepaid disclosures that would provide consumers with clear information about the costs and risks of prepaid products upfront.

"Consumers are increasingly relying on prepaid products to make purchases and access funds, but they are not guaranteed the same protections or disclosures as traditional bank accounts," said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. "Our proposal would close the loopholes in this market and ensure prepaid consumers are protected whether they are swiping a card, scanning their smartphone, or sending a payment."